Whether you need a root canal to preserve a damaged tooth or dental implants to restore your smile, you might be nervous about undergoing oral surgery. The team at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, LLC in Anchorage want you to help you prepare, so you feel more confident about your procedure. Following these three tips before and after your surgery will ensure a successful recovery.

Be Honest About Your Medical History

You might be tempted to leave portions of your intake form blank or downplay a medical condition, but omitting information from your medical history can lead to complications during your upcoming oral surgery. When you fill out forms and discuss the procedure with your doctor, be open and honest about past medical troubles, especially those related to your oral health, medication, and ongoing illnesses.

Plan for Some Downtime

Instead of getting back to your normal routine following oral surgery, plan to take at least 24 hours off to recover. In addition to giving you time to rest and care for your wounds, staying home makes it easier to practice the prescribed aftercare steps and access the foods your oral surgeon recommends.

Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Before your surgery, listen carefully to your doctor’s orders and write down their advice if you aren’t given a sheet of post-operative directions. Follow your doctor’s orders to the letter, including reporting back for follow-up care and taking medications. If you have questions about what you should and shouldn’t do during your recovery, contact your dental office for further instruction.

If you need oral surgery to correct or treat a dental issue, contact Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, LLC. This Anchorage-based practice specializes in complex procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, dental implants, and bone grafting. To schedule a consultation, send them a message online or call (907) 561-1430.